West Ham United looked as though they'd have a chance to claw their way to safety after two early goals put them in command of their relegation six-pointer against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium. Demba Ba had looked to have handed Avram Grant's beleaguered side a lifeline with headed goals in the 12th and 26th minutes, but Wigan came roaring back in a barnstorming second half, halving the deficit through Charles N'Zogbia before Connor Sammon hit the equaliser eleven minutes later.
West Ham United Relegated After 3-2 Loss At Wigan Athletic
A draw would have been enough to see West Ham relegated, but with Wigan's own Premier League survival at stake the hosts poured forwards for the goal that might see them to safety. It came, at long last, in the 94th minute, N'Zogbia cutting inside from the left and beating Rob Green with a shot that the West Ham goalkeeper really ought to have stopped.
So, that's Wigan safe for now, but West Ham are condemned to at least a year in the Championship. It's a hugely disappointing end to the season for Avram Grant and company, who at one point looked to be pulling off a miraculous escape only to collapse during the run in. Two more teams will join the Hammers in relegation next week - only a point separates Blackburn, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Blackpool, and Wigan. Who'll it be?
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